Now that the NBA All-Star Game holders have been announced, Knicks striker Julius Randle will have to wait a few more days to see if he will be added as a reserve for the Eastern Conference.
As the Knicks prepare to face the Warriors on Tuesday at the Garden, the rest of the lineup will be announced that night, starting at 7pm on TNT.
Seven additional players from each conference will be selected by a panel of NBA coaches, and Randle’s coach believes he deserves the first nod of his career.
“I think the numbers speak for themselves, but there are many players who have similar numbers. But I think when you look at the impact on victory, that’s where he broke up, ”said Tom Thibodeau after Friday’s training. “To do what he is doing for this team, we would not be where we are. He’s our engine. I hope this is recognized. “
Randle said on Friday that the Knicks (14-16) “can be much better as a team on both sides of the ball” and “I can be much better as an individual”. He has averaged career records with 23.2 points, 10.9 rebounds and 5.5 assists over 36.7 minutes per game.
“I think he deserves a lot, because of the way he played on both sides of the ball, and also for his playing ability, and just for his overall game,” said Thibodeau. “The guy has already played several different positions. Whatever we asked him to do, he did. I know and understand that there are a lot of guys who deserve it, but I hope he is recognized for the type of season he’s having. “
Head guard RJ Barrett averaged just 25.5 minutes per game in his last six games, after being among the league leaders in playing time (35.8 mpg) in the first 24. But after only throwing 26, 8 percent of the ground in the first four of those games, he connected in 13 of the 25 attempts (52 percent) in the last two.
“I’m just out there playing my game. I’m out there as much as the coach wants or needs me to be out there. I’m playing, ”said Barrett. “When I’m on the bench, I’m being a good teammate, doing everything to help the team.”